Today we’d like to introduce you to Coby Mehler.
Hi Coby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had some sort of creative outlet growing up, whether it was drawing as a kid, learning graphic design through pirating my first version of Photoshop, or eventually picking up a camera. Creating has always fulfilled a part of me that sports, school, or other hobbies couldn’t.
I really got into shooting around junior year of high school when all my classes moved online due to Covid. That gave me a ton of free time to mess around with my first camera and actually learn how to use it. Most weekends during this time I’d get a few of my friends together and we’d either take a short road trip or hang out in the city taking pictures.
After a few months of posting random portraits of my friends on Instagram, a small local artist from Philly hit me up to do a photoshoot. No talks of money we’re apart of the conversation, but it was the first time that someone had actually reached out for a shoot, and that felt pretty big at the time. After that, word got around and more shoots started rolling in.
At the end of one shoot, an artist asked if I did music videos. Without hesitation, I said “of course” even though I’d never shot one in my life. Went home that night, watched a bunch of tutorials, took a few test shots to make sure my camera was capable of even shooting video, and a few days later I shot my first paid music video for $50.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles for me hit right after I graduated high school.
During senior year, I had started making some waves in the Philly music scene. I began shooting for a few notable artists, and what felt like making some decent money – doing what I loved. By the end of high school, I was juggling a part-time job, driving into the city five or six days a week to shoot, and still trying to keep up with classes so I could graduate.
I ended up deciding not to attend college, and wanted to see what would happen if I was able to go full-time into running this business. Two weeks after I graduated, I moved into my first apartment in the city and I thought I had everything all figured out.
What I didn’t expect was how hard it would be trying to go full-time as a freelance creative. I had moved into a place that was way too expensive, and by the third month, I couldn’t afford rent even with getting consistent work. Every month felt like a race to the finish line – my back would be against the wall and I’d have to figure something out fast. I’d go through my entire contacts list, texting everybody that I knew to shoot something just so I could cover my bills.
It was tough, but looking back, that entire first year of being on my own was a huge turning point for me. I learned so much, not just creatively, but about how to properly (and how to not properly) run a business, and navigate a career that’s constantly shifting. It forced me to grow up fast, adapt, and figure out how to make this thing sustainable.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love directing music videos because it gives me a chance to bring an artist’s record to life through my own creative lens. I really try to build a world or a moment that artist can live in, something their fans and listeners can fully buy into and experience.
I’m most proud of the videos I’ve done with artists who truly care about the process. Those that are thoughtful about their branding and down to bring unique ideas to life. When both sides bring their vision and creative integrity to the table, the result is always unmatched.
Since moving to Atlanta, I’ve really tried to immerse myself in the creative scene here. There’s so much passion – not just loud, surface-level energy, but with real talent and taste behind it. The kind that pushes boundaries, prompts questions, and moves art and culture forward, and something that I am grateful to be even a small part of.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something people might be surprised to learn is that I’m actually pretty introverted. A lot of my work is so public-facing – directing, being on set, working with artists – but behind the scenes, I like to keep to myself.
I think that’s part of why I care so much about the work itself. It’s where I feel most comfortable expressing myself and communicating things I might not say out loud. The camera kind of became my outlet, as it gave me a way to connect with people and the world in a way that felt natural.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cobymehler.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cobymehler/
Image Credits
Img 01: Kam O’ Reilly (@directorkam)
Img 02: Akbar Khan (@fromakbar)
Img 03: Kam O’ Reilly (@directorkam)
Img 04: Kam O’ Reilly (@directorkam)
Img 05: Demetrius Dumas (@meecheyes)
